Electrical efficiency

Cost: $3-30 per lamp

Eliminate "phantom loads". All appliances that can be turned on by remote or with a single push button rather than an on/off switch are sitting there using power when they are "off". Most devices that have a wall power module have the same issue, if that module is warm to the touch when the device is "off" then you are wasting energy!  TV and stereo equipment can be plugged into an outlet strip and turned off when not in use. Same goes for microwave ovens and many other appliances.

Replace incandescent lamps with Compact Fluorescent Lamps. CFLs use 66% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and last up to 10 times longer. Replacing a 100-watt incandescent with a 32-watt CFL can save you at least $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb. Also, Maine residents can qualify for a $2 rebate on each CFL purchased.